The Dangers Of Using Hydroquinone On Your skin.

People who are looking to diminish sun or age spots, darker patches, acne scars, or other discolorations turn to skin creams to resolve the problem. It’s in your best interest to know about the risks of the chemicals used in your skin lightening cream.

There is one crucial fact all skin lightener consumers need to be aware of, the dangers associated with the ingredient Hydroquinone. It does work, no one disputes that, but serious concerns about the safety of applying this chemical on your skin are now clear.

Hydroquinone Facts

Hydroquinone works by decreasing the production of melanin pigments. Used in the skin lighteners, brighteners, and fade creams it has been proven to fade out spots and helps to make skin tone more even.

While once considered a miracle ingredient in bleaching creams and other skin whitening products, new studies have shown it to be a dangerous toxin. In short it is an effective ingredient, however there are certain health risks by using it.

It has been scientifically linked to different health issues, the most dangerous being cancer. Due to the health risks it’s use is prohibited in several countries, in fact the EU banned the use of it in over the counter skin products back in 2001.

The FDA has come to similar conclusions about the health risks but have not yet issued a ban on it’s use. The U.S. Cosmetics Ingredient Review Panel stated Hydroquinone is unsafe for use in leave-on cosmetic products. In other words unsafe for use in products left on the skin.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG)Skin Deep database gave it a high overall hazard rating for significant health risks. It’s considered one of more dangerous ingredients used in skin lightening products. This is the first thing everyone should look for when checking a products ingredients.

Products That May Contain Hydroquinone

In addition to its use in skin lighteners it can also be found in facial and skin cleansers, and facial moisturizers, although it’s no longer widely used in these type of products.

This toxic ingredient, is also seldom used anymore in other products such as hair relaxers, hair colorings, nail products and glues used in hair extensions, but it always pays to check the label .

Want Better Looking Skin Without The Use Of Hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is effective at whitening skin tone and is successful in helping to fade freckles, age spots, sunspots and more but is it worth risking one’s health and safety by using it? There are safer alternatives available.

Health conscious people who are looking for an effective skin lightening product that works without the use of this chemical may not realize there is a Hydroquinone alternative called Alpha-Arbutin. It’s as effective as Hydroquinone without the risks associated with this harsh chemical.

Check the ingredients list! Look for skin lighteners that don’t contain this chemical. Also keep a sharp lookout for mercury, steroids, and parabens. There is a simple reason manufacturers use Hydroquinone instead of Alpha-Arbutin.

Alpha-Arbutin is expensive to manufacture and Hydroquinone is not. This is also why you may not have seen products containing Alpha-Arbutin in local stores and pharmacies…the price. It has come into the marketplace from specialty skin lightening formulaters who of course must charge more.

The truth is it’s not much more expensive and it’s a matter of how health conscious you are if you decide to spend a little more for a safer product.